Winterizing A/C

marklo154 · Post by **marklo154** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 6:19 am

Hello everyone, have been reading many many posts on here lots of great info. Having my boat pulled out monday just working on getting some of the systems winterized before hand. I have done the generator and freshwater system. Was hoping to tackle the A/C unit today but I not sure of the procedure. I see were the seacocks are and was thinking to just shut it off disconnect the hose hook some antifreeze up and turn on the a/c, but it is not like there is a exhaust so How do I circulate it it through.

A few other questions 1) When I turn the key to start one of the engines a Buzzer goes off ????
2) I dont believe the previous owner did a final waste water pump out will this be a problem over winter ? If so what are my options

Thanks in advance everyone.

The Dog House · Post by **The Dog House** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 7:23 am

The buzzer is most likely a low oil pressure warning. It should shut off once the engine is running. The waste water will be an issue. Can you get it pumped out before the boat is pulled? That's probably the easiest thing to do.

marklo154 · Post by **marklo154** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 7:30 am

The marina is closed for the season so no pump out available . Yes the buzz does turn off once the boat is started , seems to run fine and good oil level.

Allen Sr · Post by **Allen Sr** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 8:09 am

Holding tank gonna be a problem unless you keep the compartment heated where the tank is.

As for the ac find the water discharge ports outside and run the antifreeze thru til it comes out pink or whatever color your using. You may have to have someone watch for you and yell down when its ok to turn off. The buzzer......low oil pressure.

marklo154 · Post by **marklo154** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 8:56 am

What would be the cause of the low oil pressure How can I check this.

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 9:29 am

That's normal when you are starting the engine - it has no oil pressure at all till you start it. The sensor is on as soon as you turn the key so it is sensing low oil pressure. There should be a warning buzzer for each engine.

marklo154 · Post by **marklo154** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 9:39 am

ok. The other engine buzzer doesn`t go off on start up so it might be the buzzer itself . Each one does show a light which stays on.

BobCT · Post by **BobCT** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 9:57 am

On the A/C, the seacock needs to be closed while the boat is still in the water, otherwise it's nearly impossible to prime the pump. If was closed before it was hauled, then you can take the cap off the seacock and pour the pink into the strainer and it will pump all the way through and out the hull.

If that's not an option, disconnect the hose on both ends of the pump and pour pink through until it comes out the other side. Fill the seacock with it too. On the holding tank, pour a couple of gallons down into your deck pump out, that's really all you can do along with flushing the head after pouring some in the bowl.

Bob

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 11:03 am

marklo154 wrote:ok. The other engine buzzer doesn`t go off on start up so it might be the buzzer itself . Each one does show a light which stays on.

What is the oil pressure Gage reading when running ? ?

marklo154 · Post by **marklo154** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 1:21 pm

Both seem to be at 50.

Well I have seemed to winterize the fresh water system, generator, and the a/c unit ( hopefully ) . Hauling it out tommorrow and will have to do the 2 engines.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 1:43 pm

I have never had a issue with losing prime in my a/c pump . Depends on where the pump is above or below the water line . If below no problem

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 7:36 pm

I'd be worried about the holding tank. I don't know how much fluid you have in there but even if I did, I would never venture to guess how much antifreeze would be enough to keep it from bursting given that the water in the tank will dilute and reduce its protection rating....how will you know how much is enough unless you test? If you can't pump it out before you get hauled (other marina close by?), try and find a mobile pump out.

Commissionpoint · Post by **Commissionpoint** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 8:16 pm

Maybe fill the tank the rest of the way with some -50 antifreeze and just hope for the best if you absolutely cannot get it pumped out.

You could always sell poo poo sno-cones if it doesn't work out.

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 8:49 pm

Why not just physically remove the tank and empty it? If it is nearly full it may be quite heavy but if it freezes it is going to be ruined and need to be replaced anyhow.

marklo154 · Post by **marklo154** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 9:03 pm

Never thought about removing it , maybe a option. I will talk to the guy that is hauling it out for me tomorrow he has help me out a great deal with everything maybe he will know a mobile pump out.